Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA) was formed in 1996 by the all out efforts of few knitwear manufacturers. Soon after the formation it undertook activities to look after the interest of the knitwear sector of the country. Today it an association of about 1500 knitwear manufacturers and exporters that represent the largest export earning sector of the country.

BKMEA has grown enormous network in home and abroad. The members are the strength and primary network support of BKMEA. Besides BKMEA works closely with International agencies and maintains close relationships with Diplomatic Offices in Dhaka. It also works with similar organizations in Europe and USA on common interest like Global Alliance for Fair Textile Trade (GAFTT) and American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC). To boost up trade and to enhance cooperation between Bangladesh and China, BKMEA and Yunnan Light & Textile Industry Association signed a MoU on 10th June, 2005.

BKMEA is putting tireless efforts to enhance productivity of its members, enhance social compliance status and workers welfare, diversify export market, and better market access of the country's knitwear products to EU, USA, China, and other countries. BKMEA is working with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), and other international organizations in this regard. BKMEA has signed MoU with GTZ on March 16, 2005.

BKMEA is run by a 27-member Board of Directors led by the President. The Board of Directors is elected for a 2-year period. To run the association efficiently there is 21 different committees.